Ireland Presentation By Lexie

 Ireland is an island covering 27,135 square miles of land on the western part of Europe.  The Republic of Ireland is somewhat larger than the state of West Virginia.  The landforms of Ireland include rocky mountains, sandy beaches, rivers, and the soil is made up mainly of limestone.  Some say Ireland is like a badly baked-pie-crusty around the edges and soggy in the middle.

 Ireland has a mild climate due to the warm ocean waters of the North Atlantic.  Temperatures only vary 8 degrees Fahrenheit.  January has an average temperature of 48° Fahrenheit and July has an average temperature of 40° Fahrenheit.  Ireland has abundant rainfall averaging 225 wet days a year.

 The natural resources of Ireland include natural gas, petroleum, peat, copper, lead, limestone, farming, and fishing.  The people of Ireland have jobs utilizing the natural resources of the country.  Industries include fishing, mining, farming, livestock, and energy.

 Ireland has a small economy that is dependent on exporting goods and services.  Ireland is a developed country with a high standard of living.  Average yearly income is $ 44,000.  Ranks 14 th in the world for education.  Ranks 1 st in the world for home ownership.

 The culture of Ireland is not homogenous.  Urban versus rural.  Catholics versus Protestants.  Irish speakers versus English speakers.  Traditions  St. Patrick’s Day. (national holiday)  Gaelic heritage.  Leprechauns, pubs, and potatoes

 The Irish economy continues to shrink.  Trade is an important relationship between Ireland and the United States.  The United States represents more than half of Ireland’s total exports.  Ireland is currently serving horse meat in grocery stores and Taco Bell restaurants.